New York Anarchist Pleads Guilty in Military Recruitment Fire

New York, New York, U.S. — Twenty- year-old anarchist David Segal pleaded
guilty to felony "malicious mischief" in federal court Wednesday
morning in relation to a January 31, 2005 attempt to burn down a Bronx
military recruiting station. In return for the plea the prosecutor
gave a sentencing recommendation of 10–16 months.

The judge is not
required to abide by the recommendation and could sentence David to 10
years in prison, but David's attorney Martin Stolar, president of the
New York chapter of the National Lawyers Guild, believes that the
sentence would adhere to the prosecutor's guidelines. Additionally,
the judge could break up the sentence between jail time and home
confinement.David will have to wait until his December 16, sentencing date to know
for sure. Until then he will be looking for a new job in the area of
Litchfield, Connecticut, where he has been living with his parents
since they posted a $15,000 cash bond to secure his release only days
after his arrest. David is required to be employed as a condition
of his release and would like to find an apprentice as a carpenter. He
is also looking for people interested in caring for some of his eight
guinea pigs while he is incarcerated. In a statement David thanked his
supporters for "all the support and care you've all shown already. It
means so fucking much."

David also expressed remorse that Brendan Walsh, who was convicted for
a 2003 arson attempt on a recruitment center near Binghamton, NY,
didn't receive an equally lenient sentence as the one that was
recommended for David. Brendan was sentenced to five years behind
bars, after which he faces three years of supervision.

Their cases are
very similar. Both where 19 years old at the time of their crimes, and
both acted alone driven by their opposition to the ongoing war in
Iraq. David however was fortunate enough to have a supportive
community in New York City who were able to bring his case to the
attention of Martin Stolar, a prominent civil rights attorney, who was
interested in taking the case. Unfortunately Brendan's case received
little notice and support leaving him with a poor defense lawyer who
allowed him to plead guilty without an offer of leniency. David is
asking that people interested in supporting him also consider offering
support Brendan as well.

For more information read Bombs and Shields — Stories of struggle and
resistance from around the world, meant to inspire and incite strong
hearts.